CHARLTON NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE

Get Online Week, organized by the Good Things Foundation, is an annual initiative aimed at promoting digital inclusion and empowering individuals with essential online skills. Launched in 2011, the campaign encourages people to embrace the internet and its vast resources to improve their lives.
The Charlton Neighbourhood House was proud to again be involved delivering a program of assisting residents in navigating their mobile devices to give them a better understanding of what can be available to them. The Rex Theatres Green Room was the venue where CNH staff member Mia informative sessions that were well received by all those in attendance. This activity would not have been possible without the ongoing assistance of the Good Things Foundation.
During this week, various activities and events are organized across Australia including workshops, training sessions, and community events. These aim to help people, particularly those from non technical backgrounds, overcome barriers to digital access and literacy. Participants learn how to navigate online services, communicate effectively, and utilize digital tools for job searching, education, and staying connected with loved ones.
The Good Things Foundation works with a network of local organizations, libraries, and community centres to reach diverse audiences, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to benefit from the digital world. By fostering a supportive environment, Get Online Week enhances individual skills and promotes a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive in an increasingly digital age. This initiative highlights the importance of digital literacy in today’s world, reinforcing that access to technology is a vital component of social and economic participation.

The Charlton Neighbourhood House in conjunction with ‘The Centre’ Community College was proud to recently present a terrific opportunity for locals to undertake a free nationally recognised Chemical Users Course. Chemical handling training is crucial for ensuring safety in environments where hazardous substances are present. Proper training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to handle chemicals safely, thereby minimizing risks of accidents and health issues. This training covered essential practices such as proper storage, handling procedures, and emergency response protocols.
By understanding how to use personal protective equipment (PPE), handle spills, and manage chemical reactions, workers can significantly reduce the likelihood of exposure to harmful substances. This is vital not only for the health of individuals but also for maintaining a safe working environment. Additionally, chemical handling training helps organizations comply with legal regulations and standards, avoiding potential fines and legal issues.
Moreover, well-trained chemical users contribute to operational efficiency by preventing costly accidents and downtime. In essence, chemical handling training is an investment in both human safety and organizational well-being, fostering a culture of responsibility and vigilance in managing hazardous materials.
Special thanks go to The Centre, your Community College for providing the training to our community, and Buloke Shire with the use of Shire facilities.

​RU OK? Day is an annual event in Australia dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Held on the second Thursday of September, it encourages people to connect with others and ask the simple, yet powerful, question: "Are you okay?" This day serves as a reminder that a caring conversation can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Charlton Neighbourhood House and others across the Mallee and northern Victoria are proud to be supporting this important initiative again.
The day emphasizes that mental health struggles can affect anyone and that reaching out with genuine concern can offer support to those in need. It promotes the idea that checking in on friends, family, and colleagues and actively listening to their responses can help foster a supportive community.
RU OK? Day is not just about one day of action but aims to inspire ongoing conversations and support systems. It highlights the importance of being proactive in mental health and encourages people to make asking "Are you okay?" a regular part of their interactions. By normalizing these conversations, RU OK? Day seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage more people to seek help when they need it.
The Charlton Neighbourhood House this year organized a ‘Duck Hunt’ around the town, with participating businesses hiding ducks in their shop or window. Residents could locate a duck and bring it along to a very special afternoon tea on Thursday September 12 celebrating the message of RU OK? Day. Along with the important message being shared, prizes were awarded to those ‘lucky ducks’ discovered. Everyone involved agreed it was a wonderful way to raise awareness on this initiative. Thank you to Buloke Shire for their support along with the Mallee Network of Neighbourhood Houses.

The Charlton Neighbourhood House was extremely grateful to recently receive a very generous donation from The Charlton Campdraft Club. The funds will go towards further delivery of courses and activities within our community.  A huge thankyou to everyone involved at Campdraft.

The Charlton Neighbourhood House was again proud to partner with Charlton College, St Joseph's Primary School, Charlton Pre-School, Charlton Playgroup, and Charlton Childcare to deliver the 2024 National Simultaneous Storytime book 'Bower Bird Blues'.
Providing sufficient books, stickers and bookmarks for all the children and classes involved, a great morning was enjoyed by all the children joining with others across Australia. This terrific initiative continues our support of NSS in encouraging local children to read.

Law Week 2024 was again supported in Charlton by the Neighbourhood House, who this year arranged for a lawyer to attend the town and provide general legal advice on wills and future planning. With support from the Victorian Law Foundation and Mallee Family Care Community Legal Centre, Allie made herself available to talk to members of the community at  Charlton Park as part of EWHS’s ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’ event.
A large number of residents took the opportunity to say hello, collect some of the brochures on hand and get referrals to where to obtain more specific information. The important message shared on the night was that wills, powers of attorney and future planning is not something just older people should think about; it is an important subject that people of all ages need to consider in case of a change in circumstances.
The Charlton Neighbourhood House thanked everyone who assisted in the evening, especially the legal team at Mallee Family Care and Allie who volunteered her time for this important session celebrating Law Week. Printed information material is available from the Charlton Neighbourhood House if you would like more details.

The Charlton Neighbourhood House was proud to partner with Buloke Shire and the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation to present a terrific free fun school holiday activity in Charlton recently. Children of various age groups were given the opportunity to decorate a large garden pot with drawings and stickers before filling with potting mix and a wonderful herb.
Under the watchful eye and encouragement of Sarah Botheras and Torri Tillig there were smiles all around as the children excitedly took their pots home to be cared for.  With healthy fruit options very popular to snack on and recipes available for the best way to use the herbs when ready to harvest, everyone agreed it was a wonderful activity. 

The Charlton Neighbourhood House in conjunction with Buloke Shire is pleased to be hosting a fun school holiday event at the Rex Theatre. On Monday April 8, Sarah Botheras, Healthy Kids Advisor with the Shire will lead primary age children in a fun activity decorating pots, then planting a herb to grow. The session will run between 10:30 and 12:30pm, with  a parent or guardian will needing to be present.
​Call 0473 759 456 for more details.

The Charlton Neighbourhood House was pleased to welcome back for its first session in 2024 the Buloke Book Club. Meeting on the third Tuesday of each month at the Charlton Library, the participants discuss what they have been reading over the previous month. Not limited strictly to books, interesting journal or magazine stories are also free to be talked about to the group.
Now in its third year, this popular activity also arranges guest speakers and attends events that are relevant to members of the Club. One upcoming show that will be popular with locals is the live play, ‘The dictionary of lost words’ being performed in Melbourne.
A friendly cuppa completes the morning, and the opportunity is also provided to explore the latest additions to the Library’s shelves. The next meeting is on March 19. For further details contact the Charlton Neighbourhood House on 0473 759 456.